National Par Skadar Lake

The wild beauties of Montenegro are known to many and you do not need to go too far to find beautiful panoramic views and experience the wild nature and its wonders. A short ride from the seaside and you will arrive in one of five National parks of Montenegro, the Skadar Lake.

The lake is located in Zeta valley and is surrounded by mountains. Two-Thirds of Skadar Lake belongs to Montenegro. Skadar Lake is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, with fresh water and one of the largest...

Today we are going from the coastal region to the central part of Montenegro and we are beginning a series of stories about the natural beauties, thanks to which Montenegro has become one of the leading destinations for investment and tourism.

The wild beauties of Montenegro are known to many and you do not need to go too far to find beautiful panoramic views and experience the wild nature and its wonders. A short ride from the seaside and you will arrive in one of five National parks of Montenegro, the Skadar Lake.

The lake is located in Zeta valley and is surrounded by mountains. Two-Thirds of Skadar Lake belongs to Montenegro. Skadar Lake is the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula, with fresh water and one of the largest national parks in Montenegro.

It’s extremely famous for its diversity of flora and fauna. It is stated that 270 kinds of birds inhabit this Lake. Around 90% of birds are migratory and are of international importance. There are 50 species of fish living in the Lake. The most familiar are ukljeva and carp.
The world of plants of this park is very important and there are 30+ protected plants and trees in the Park.

In the region of Skadar Lake, there are 20 monasteries, churches, villages, fortresses and sacred monuments. This lake is the witness of Montenegrin history from the 11th century up to now. Around Lake itself, there are 18 important historic monuments.
Earliest written documents from this region are from the 11th century or period of creating the first Montenegrin dynasty. Turning of Roman Catholics into Orthodox Church many monasteries and churches, at the beginning of 1400 AD built around the lake. In 1478 Turks occupied Zabljak and the region of the lake and ruled over it until 1878, when Montenegro was liberated from Turkish rule. During the Turkish occupation, Montenegro was ruled by Cetinje Metropolitans and it survived this period. Some strongholds were used by Italians during WWII.

Bird watching, fishing, hunting, renting and ride in a boat, swimming and sunbathing are the main recreational activities around the Lake.

Park was founded in 1968 for keeping and protecting of wonderful surroundings of the Lake and its shore.

Park is easily accessible from the direction of Podgorica and Bar by highway Podgorica – Petrovac or by rain from Bar or Podgorica through the central part via Virpazar. To other regions inside the park, you can come by car or taxi. Many Travellers’ agents offer one-day trips to Lake including boat ride at Lake and lunch at far fishermen village.

30.07.2021